Azeem Amir set to become world’s youngest blind tough mudder competitor at 17

Azeem Amir with his former high school PE teacher, Sam Dainty,

Azeem Amir is set to become the world’s youngest blind Tough Mudder competitor on 10 September, at just 17 years old.

The blind teenager from Rochdale will take on one of the world’s toughest events, a 10-12 mile run with over 20 gruelling obstacles, in order to raise money for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity.

Azeem said: “Tough Mudder told us that other people with visual impairment have completed it.

“Nothing has ever stopped me from achieving my ambitions.”

Azeem, who is currently studying A levels at Rochdale Sixth Form College, added: “I wanted something personal to me. The charity work with the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital who have allowed me to see something instead of nothing.

“They’re hoping to buy specialised equipment that allows the retina of the eye to be seen in 10 times more detail.”

Azeem is no stranger to sports. A keen and avid footballer, he completed the Great Manchester Run 10k earlier this year in 56 minutes.

He will be running with the guidance of his former high school PE teacher, Sam Dainty, linked via a skipping rope. Any light tugs from Sam and verbal communication will keep him on track.

Azeem suggested Tough Mudder, knowing that Sam had already completed it twice previously. They have been training at the Crossfit OL1 gym in Oldham in preparation for the challenge, using bodyweight exercises.

The duo have been sponsored to take part by Matthew Moss High School’s Head Teacher, Mark Moorhouse.

The obstacle course is not for the faint-hearted, including electric shock volts, an icy plunge and crawling under barbed wire through mud.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AzeemsToughMudder

Or text ‘AZTM99’ to ‘70070’ plus £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10